Odor elimination composition for use on soft surfaces

ABSTRACT

A method and composition for deodorizing soft surfaces such as carpeting and upholstery are disclosed. The method includes the spraying of a liquid composition on a soft surface and allowing the composition to absorb into the soft surface, form liquid agglomerations within the soft surface to the agglomerations can make contact with malodorants disposed within the soft surface. The composition is capable of penetrating rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces for contacting odor-causing substances embedded therein. The composition comprises an active ingredient such as a glycol or triethanolamine. Other ingredients that contribute to the surface penetration and/or agglomeration formation include ethanol, water, fragrance and a combination of at least one nonionic and at least one ionic surfactant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/759,766,filed on Jun. 7, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 11/313,297, filed on Dec. 20, 2005.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

An improved odor elimination composition is disclosed which effectivelyremoves odors embedded in soft surfaces such as carpeting andupholstery. The improved composition makes use of triethylene glycol anda combination of nonionic and ionic surfactants, one of which hasbactericidal properties. The improved composition rapidly penetratesdeep into the soft surfaces for providing fast and effective odorelimination. Methods for evaluating the ability of the composition topenetrate soft surfaces are also disclosed.

2. Description of the Related Art

It has been known to use certain glycols in aerosol or vapor forms tosanitize air in a room by killing airborne bacteria. One particularglycol, triethylene glycol (“TEG”), has been found particularlyeffective for sanitizing air when delivered via an aerosol spray. Thecommercially successful OUST® air sanitizer products utilize a mixturethat contains about 6 wt % TEG. Non-aerosol applications of TEG fordisinfecting air are also developed.

The structure of triethylene glycol is illustrated below:

TEG is a colorless, odorless, non-volatile and hygroscopic liquid. It ischaracterized by two hydroxyl groups along with two ether linkages whichcontribute to its high water solubility, hygroscopicity and its abilityto neutralize airborne odor-causing bacteria. TEG can be preparedcommercially by the oxidation of ethylene at high temperatures in thepresence of a silver oxide catalyst, following by hydration of theethylene oxide to yield mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-ethylene glycolproducts. TEG has low toxicity.

Until now, the treatment and removal of odor-causing substances fromsoft surfaces such as clothing, drapes, bedding, carpeting andupholstery utilize very different mechanisms. One strategy uses aqueousformulations containing water-soluble cyclodextrins for odor control orodor elimination. These formulations also use water-soluble metallicsalts in addition to the water-soluble cyclodextrins.

Cyclodextrins have a toroidal structure, the interior of which ishydrophobic. The exterior of this toroid structure is hydrophilicthereby rendering them water-soluble. It has been found that hydrophobicodor-causing substance enters the hydrophobic interior of a cyclodextrintoroid and forms a stable complex with the cyclodextrin structure due tothe interplay of Van der Waals forces, the effects of hydrogen bondingand the common hydrophobicity of the cyclodextrin interior andodor-causing substance.

By forming stable complexes with odor-causing substance, cyclodextrinskeep the substances out of the air thereby reducing the odor causedthereby. Water-soluble metallic salts may be combined with thecyclodextrins to absorb amines and sulfur-containing compounds.

A second strategy utilizes formulations that include watersoluble/dispersible polymers for containing and controlling odor-causingsubstance. In contrast to cyclodextrins, which entrap or cage theodor-causing substance within the cyclodextrin toroid as discussedabove, the water soluble/dispersible polymer entraps the odor-causingsubstance by forming a film that blankets the odor-causing substance.

The film is formed as the solvent or carrier of the formulationevaporates. Thus, the residual polymer film provides a barrier forcontaining the odor-causing substance within the soft surface therebypreventing it from being released to the ambient environment anddetected by a consumer's sense of smell.

As both the cyclodextrins and film-forming polymers are large moleculesthat are difficult to evaporate, the above discussed formulations leavea visible residue after the solvent or carrier of the formulationsevaporates. Further, neither cyclodextrins nor film-forming polymershave any anti-microbial properties.

Another problem associated with known odor-elimination formulations isthe lack of ability to penetrate rapidly and deeply into the softsurfaces and eliminate odor-causing substance trapped (or embedded)therein. As a result, although temporary odor elimination can beachieved by using the known formulations, recurrence of odors usuallyhappens when deeply embedded odor-causing substance relocates or “rises”from its original location. In such cases, reapplication of theformulations is generally needed at relatively short intervals.

Other more drastic measures for treating odor-causing substance trappedin carpeting, upholstery and clothing involve the use of enzymes ordetergents to remove the odor-causing substance. In the case ofupholstery and carpeting, professional services or the renting ofspecial machinery is often required.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved method for removing odors insoft surfaces that are not easily washable, i.e., carpeting andupholstery. Moreover, there is a need for an improved odor eliminationcomposition that may be sprayed onto carpeting or upholstery; that willnot discolor or form a film or residue on the carpeting or upholstery;and that will penetrate rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces toeffectively deliver active odor-neutralizing ingredients to odor-causingsubstance embedded therein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In satisfaction of the afore noted needs, a method and a composition aredisclosed for eliminating odors deeply embedded in soft surfaces such ascarpeting, upholstery, clothing, bed linens, etc.

In an embodiment, a disclosed method for deodorizing soft surfacescomprises spraying a composition on a soft surface, wherein thecomposition comprises an active ingredient that is a liquid at roomtemperature and has a vapor pressure at room temperature of less than0.0035 mmHg, and allowing the formulation to rapidly penetrate deep intothe soft surface and make contact with an odor-causing substance trappedtherein.

The active ingredient that is a liquid at room temperature and that hasa vapor pressure at room temperature of less than 0.0035 mmHg at roomtemperature may be one or more glycols and other suitable materials thateliminates, counteracts, and/or neutralizes the odor-causing substances.Substances suitable for use as the active ingredient will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art and should be considered within thescope of this disclosure.

In a refinement, the active ingredient is a glycol selected from thegroup consisting of triethylene glycol (TEG), dipropylene glycol,propylene glycol and combinations thereof. Triethanolamine is also asuitable active ingredient.

In an embodiment, a disclosed method for deodorizing soft surfacescomprises spraying a liquid composition on a soft surface wherein theliquid composition comprises an active ingredient that may be a glycolselected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol (TEG),dipropylene glycol, and propylene glycol or other ingredients having avapor pressure at room temperature of less than 0.0035 mmHg, andallowing the composition to penetrate deep into the soft surface andmake contact with an odor-causing substance trapped therein.

In such a method, agglomerations of the active ingredient, carrier,fragrance and surfactant form and rapidly penetrate deep into the softsurfaces. When odor-causing substance trapped therein engages theseagglomerations, the odor-causing substance is dissolved into, orabsorbed by, the agglomeration thereby reducing the partial vaporpressure of the odor-causing substance and the odor caused thereby. Asthe glycol or other active ingredient remains in a liquid form, no driedresidue is apparent or visible.

In a refinement, the disclosed composition further comprises water and alow molecular weight alcohol such as a short chain monohydric alcohol.In a further refinement of this concept, the alcohol is selected fromthe group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, butanol and propanol.Ethanol is currently preferred due to its low cost and acceptable odor.Additional co-solvents include glycol ethers such as glycol monoethylether and diethylene glycol butyl ether.

The alcohol and water both act as solvents or carriers and the alcoholreduces the drying time of the disclosed liquid composition. Preferably,the alcohol is a minor component compared to that of water, with thewater content ranging from about 75-95 wt % and the alcohol contentranging from about 1 to about 10 wt %, most preferably about 6 wt %.

In another refinement, the disclosed composition further comprises aplurality of surfactants. The surfactants may comprise a plurality ofnonionic surfactants, a combination of nonionic and ionic surfactants,or, more specifically, a combination of nonionic and cationicsurfactants. Amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants may also be used.

In a further refinement of this concept, the plurality of surfactantsincludes at least one ionic surfactant and at least one nonionicsurfactant. The surfactants used in the composition may also be known inothers applications as emulsifiers and, for the purposes of thisdisclosure, the terms surfactant and emulsifier will be considered to beinterchangeable as the common property of surfactants and emulsifiers,i.e., reducing surface tension, is the important function for purposesof this application. Combinations of nonionic surfactants have beenfound to be effective as well as combinations of nonionic and cationicsurfactants.

In a refinement, the nonionic surfactant comprises a combination of anether and a hydrogenated oil. In a further refinement, the nonionicsurfactants comprise a combination of polyglycol ether and ahydrogenated castor oil. In still a further refinement, polyglycol etheris a polyoxyethylene alkylether.

In another refinement, the ionic surfactant is a cationic surfactant.Preferably, the cationic surfactant comprises a quaternary ammoniumsalt. One benefit of using the quaternary ammonium salt is itsanti-bacterial properties of these salts.

One disclosed composition for carrying out the above-described methodcomprises: water; a short chain monohydric alcohol; a glycol selectedfrom the group consisting of triethylene glycol (TEG), dipropyleneglycol, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof or another materialthat is a liquid at room temperature and that has a vapor pressure atroom temperature of less than 0.0035 mmHg at room temperature;fragrance; at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one ionicsurfactant. As noted above, dipropylene glycol and propylene glycol maybe substituted for the currently preferred glycol, TEG. Also, asindicated, combinations of these glycols may be used.

In a refinement, the glycol may be present in an amount ranging from 0.5to about 5 wt %. Most preferably, the glycol, which is preferably butnot necessarily TEG, comprises about 1 wt % of the composition.

In another refinement, the disclosed composition comprises from about 1to about 10 wt % low molecular weight monohydric alcohol or glycolether, from about 0.5 to about 5 wt % glycol, from about 0.25 to about0.75 wt % fragrance, from about 1 to about 2 wt % nonionic and ionicsurfactants and, the remainder, water. The surfactant content can rangefrom about 0.5 to about 2 wt %.

In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant combination comprises ahydrogenated castor oil, a polyglycol ether, and a quaternary ammoniumsalt.

In one preferred embodiment, the composition comprises from about 4 toabout 8 wt % ethanol, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt % TEG, from about0.5 to about 0.75 wt % fragrance, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %nonionic surfactant, from about 0.1 to about 1 wt % cationic surfactantand, the remainder, water.

In a further refinement of this concept, the nonionic surfactantscomprise a combination of a hydrogenated oil and a polyglycol ether. Ina further refinement, the ionic surfactant comprises a quaternaryammonium salt. In still a further refinement, the nonionic surfactantsmay include (1) a hydrogenated castor oil, that includes glycerol andpolyethylene glycol oxystearate, and (2) a polyglycol ether that is aethoxylation product of C₁₁ to C₁₅ linear secondary alkanols withethylene oxide.

The disclosed composition preferably penetrates rapidly and deeply intothe soft surfaces for contacting the odor-causing substance embeddedtherein. Methods for evaluating the surface penetration ability of thecomposition are also provided.

Other advantages and features of the disclosed methods and compositionswill be described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods andapparatuses, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated ingreater detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 graphically illustrates the anchoring assembly used in the SkeinTest in accordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 2 graphically illustrates the Skein Test in accordance with thisdisclosure, particularly illustrating the position of the test skeinbefore and after sinking;

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrateddiagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, detailswhich are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methodsand apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive mayhave been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustratedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An improved odor elimination composition for carpeting, upholstery andother soft surfaces is provided. The improved composition delivers anactive ingredient to odor-causing substance embedded within softsurfaces thereby enabling active ingredient to come into contact withthe odor-causing substance. Without being bound to any particulartheory, it is believed that the active ingredient, in combination withother materials of the formulation, form agglomerations within the softsurface. When the odor-causing substance engages these agglomerations,the odor-causing substance is dissolved into the agglomeration therebyreducing the partial vapor pressure of the odor-causing substance to alevel below what is needed to be detected by the human sense of smell.As the glycol or other active ingredient remains in a liquid form, theagglomerations remain as liquid agglomerations for an extended period oftime and no dried residue is apparent or visible.

Also, when the disclosed compositions are applied to a soft surface, theodor-causing substance adsorbed onto the soft surface are firstdissolved in the liquid composition before formation of theagglomerations. As the odor-causing substance desorbs from the softsurface, some of the substance enters the gas phase rather than thecomposition. The degree to which the odor-causing substancepreferentially enters into the gas phase depends on the degree ofsolubility of the substance in the composition. Molecules with goodwater solubility will transferred to the applied aqueous phase.Molecules with poor water solubility will desorb from the surface intothe air.

Since the agglomeration mechanism for odor elimination is driven bysolubility parameters, odor-causing substance having poor watersolubility is least likely enter into the aqueous composition andtherefore most likely to desorb from the surface into the surroundingair. In order to enhance the solubility of the odor-causing substance inthe composition, a mixed solvent system, e.g. water and alcohol orglycol is preferably used. As a result, the disclosed compositions offera dual action odor elimination mechanism: desorption of malodor from thesurface as well as increased solubility of malodor molecules in theapplied product. Odors that are desorbed from the surface into thesurrounding air can be removed from the home by other means such asnatural air change, i.e. ventilation.

After the volatile components of the composition evaporate, thesolubilized odor-causing substance remains in the low volatile liquidcomponents, e.g. glycol or TEA, and desorbs at a much slower rate. Thedegree to which the odor-causing substance enters into the mixed solventsystems can be controlled by adjusting the solubility parameters of themixed solvent system to more closely match the solubility parameters ofthe odor-causing substance.

Certain odor-causing substances such as thiols, amines, acids andsulfides readily dissolve into the agglomerations which, by way of anexample, can comprise a core portion of the active ingredient (i.e., theglycol or other liquid with a vapor pressure at room temperature of lessthan 0.0035 mmHg), carrier, fragrance and an outer portion that includessignificant amounts of surfactant. Thus, the disclosed formulations donot mask odor-causing compounds and molecules; they keep them from beingreleased by reducing their vapor pressures.

Nine exemplary compositions are disclosed below. It should be noted thatthis disclosure is not limited to the particular compositions andacceptable ranges of the various ingredients are also set forth below.

Example 1

Wt % Name/Formula Function 92.325 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG, triethylene glycol odorremover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.25 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGORK- fragrance 1428, outdoor) 0.2650 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenatednonionic castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycol surfactantoxystearate) 0.11 SOFTANOL ™ 70, polyoxyethylene nonionic alkylethersurfactant 100.0000

Example 2

Wt % Name/Formula Function 92.325 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG, triethylene glycol odorremover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.25 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGOfragrance RK-1428, outdoor) 0.2650 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenatednonionic castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycol surfactantoxystearate) 0.11 TERGITOL ™ 15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionicsurfactant 100.00

Example 3

Wt % Name/Formula Function 91.45 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG, triethylene glycol odorremover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.40 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGORK- fragrance 1428, outdoor) 0.50 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenatednonionic surfactant castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycoloxystearate) 0.50 TERGITOL ™ 15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionicsurfactant 0.15 Agent 2248-14, quaternary ammonium salt cationicsurfactant 100.00

Example 4

Wt % Name/Formula Function 91.2 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG, triethylene glycol odorremover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.40 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGORK- Fragrance 1428, outdoor) 0.50 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenatednonionic surfactant castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycoloxystearate) 0.50 TERGITOL ™ 15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionicsurfactant 0.50 Agent 2248-14, quaternary ammonium salt cationicsurfactant 100.00

Example 5

Wt % Name/Formula Function 91.2 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0isopropanol, (CH₃)₂CHOH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEA, triethanolamine(HOCH₂CH₂)₃N odor remover 0.40 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGO RK-fragrance 1428, outdoor) 0.50 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenated nonionicsurfactant castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycol oxystearate) 0.50TERGITOL ™ 15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionic surfactant 0.50 Agent2248-14, quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant 100.00

Example 6

Wt % Name/Formula Function 91.2 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0isopropanol, (CH₃)₂CHOH solvent/carrier 1.00 Dipropylene glycol odorremover 0.40 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGO RK- fragrance 1428,outdoor) 0.50 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenated nonionic surfactantcastor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycol oxystearate) 0.50 TERGITOL ™15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionic surfactant 0.50 Agent 2248-14,quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant 100.00

Example 7

Wt % Name/Formula Function 90.6 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.0ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG, triethylene glycol odorremover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.40 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGORK- Fragrance 1428, outdoor) 0.50 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenatednonionic surfactant castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycoloxystearate) 0.50 TERGITOL ™ 15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionicsurfactant 0.40 Agent 2248-14, quaternary ammonium salt cationicsurfactant 0.60 nitrogen propellant 100

Example 8

Wt % Name/Formula Function 71.2 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 6.00ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG, triethylene glycol odorremover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.40 fragrance oil mixture (TAKASAGORK- Fragrance 1428, outdoor) 0.50 PROTACHEM ™ CAH-60, hydrogenatednonionic surfactant castor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycoloxystearate) 0.50 TERGITOL ™ 15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionicsurfactant 0.40 Agent 2248-14, quaternary ammonium salt cationicsurfactant 20.00 hydrocarbon propellant (LPG) propellant 100.00

Example 9

Wt % Name/Formula Function 91.65 de-ionized water solvent/carrier 5.90ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH solvent/carrier 1.00 TEG (98%), triethylene glycolodor remover HO(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂OH 0.30 fragrance oil mixtureFragrance 0.375 PROTACHEM ™ CH-60, hydrogenated nonionic surfactantcastor oil (glycerol, polyethylene glycol oxystearate) 0.375 TERGITOL ™15-s-7, polyglycol ether nonionic surfactant 0.40 STENQUAT1010, didecyldimethyl cationic surfactant ammonium chloride 100.00

Water and ethanol serve as carriers and co-solvents. The inclusion ofethanol, or other short chain monohydric alcohols, provides for a fasterdry time for the applied composition. Ethanol is also an excellentcarrier and therefore assists in delivering the active ingredient towhere it is needed. Additional co-solvents include glycol ethers such asglycol monoethyl ether and diethylene glycol butyl ether. The alcohol orglycol ether co-solvent should be present in the range of from about 1to about 10 wt %.

Because the TEG is provided in a suitable carrier and because it willnot quickly evaporate once it has impregnated a soft surface, the amountof TEG may be relatively low as compared at an aerosol air sanitizingformulation. Typically, an air sanitizing formulation will have about 6wt % TEG; in this particular application, i.e., soft surfaces, theamount of TEG can be reduced to less than 5 wt %. In the examples above,the TEG comprises 1.0 wt % of the formulations. However, depending onthe particular use or particular odors being treated, the TEG contentcan vary widely and could range from 0.5 wt % to 6.0 wt % or more.Examples 1-4 and 7-8 above, with their 1.0 wt % TEG content, are merelycurrently preferred embodiments.

TEG is not the only glycol that can be used. Dipropylene glycol (Example6) and propylene glycol are also suitable. Further, an active ingredientthat is a liquid at room temperature and that has a vapor pressure atroom temperature of less than 0.0035 mmHg may be utilized.

Another alternative to TEG or another glycol is triethanolamine (TEA).See Example 5. Like TEG, TEA is a liquid at room temperature, has a lowvapor pressure at room temperature (3.6×10⁻⁶ mmHg) and has anon-offensive odor.

The fragrances utilized can be obtained from Takashago InternationalCorp., a Japanese corporation having an office at 4 Volvo Drive,Rockleigh, N.J. 07647 (http://www.takashago.com). Of course, one skilledin the art will know that other suppliers of fragrances exist and thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular fragrances utilized herein.A preferred fragrance range is from about 0.25 to about 0.75 wt %.

Novel combinations of surfactants/emulsifiers are also utilized.Examples 1 and 2 utilize only nonionic surfactants in the form ofhydrogenated castor oils and polyglycol ethers. The hydrogenated castoroils are sold under the tradename PROTACHEM™ CAH-60 or TAGAT™ CH-60 withthe INCI/CTFA chemical name “PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil.” PROTACHEM™CAH-60 can be obtained from Protameen Chemicals, Inc., 375 MinnisikRoad, Totowa, N.J. 07511. The hydrogenated castor oil includes glycerolstearate, and if ethoxylated, includes polyethylene glycol oxystearate.

The other nonionic surfactant or emulsifier utilized is either TERGITOL™15-S-7, which is a polyglycol ether. It is available from Sigma-Aldrich,P.O. Box 14508, St. Louis, Mo. 63718 as well as the Dow Chemical Co.,2030 Dow Center, Midland, Mich. 48674. Other sources of TERGITOL™ willbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Another option for a nonionicsurfactant is SOFTANOL™ 70, available from Nippon Shokubai of Osaka541-0043, Japan. Other branched or linear, primary or secondary,polyethoxylated alcohols can be used as nonionic surfactants.

Thus, Examples 1 and 2 include only nonionic surfactants. While theseexamples provide an excellent mechanism for delivering the activeingredient (e.g., TEG) and fragrance to odor-causing molecules residingin soft surfaces, it has been surprisingly found that the combination ofnonionic and ionic surfactants provides still improved utility. Thus,small amounts of a quaternary ammonium salt in the form of Agent 2248-14or BTC1010 are added in Examples 3 through 9. The combination of thequaternary ammonium salt with the nonionic surfactants provides improvedpenetration and delivery of the active ingredient deep into theproblematic areas within carpeting, upholstery, bedding, drapes, etc.

By using a combination of nonionic and cationic surfactants, thedisclosed compositions and methods provide a means for delivering TEG toodor-causing molecules buried deep within upholstery or carpeting. Thus,the TEG can be effectively delivered to deeply embedded odor-causingsubstances such as pet urine or other problematic odors. Further, Agent2248-14, BTC1010, and other quaternary ammonium salts haveanti-microbial properties and therefore add a sanitization function tothe disclosed formulations. The total surfactant content preferablyranges from about 0.50 to about 2 wt %.

One preferred quaternary ammonium salt (Agent 2248-14) is a mixture ofalkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzylammonium chloride. It is sold by the Stepan Company, 22 Frontage Road,Northfield, Ill. 60093 (www.stepan.com) in a preparation that is 25 wt %alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, 25 wt % alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, 2-3 wt % ethanol and the remainder water.

The most preferred quaternary ammonium salt is didecyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, also known as BTC 1010 or Quaternium 12.

A wide variety of cationic surfactants are available in addition to thequaternary ammonium salts discussed above. While quaternary ammoniumsalts are preferred, other cationic surfactants will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without undue experimentation.

Aerosol formulations are provided in Examples 7 and 8, using nitrogenpropellant and hydrocarbon propellant respectively.

Therefore, the disclosed method and compositions provide a newapplication for TEG, other glycols and other materials that are liquidsat room temperature and that have a vapor pressure of less than 0.0035mmHg at room temperature, as a malodor absorbent for soft surfaces. Theuse of TEG has been extended to treating odors embedded in soft surfacessuch as carpeting and upholstery. When the composition is applied, alayer or an agglomeration is formed within the soft surface substrate inclose proximity to the malodor sources. The odor-causing substance comesinto contact with the agglomeration and is dissolve in the agglomerationthereby reducing its effective vapor pressure. Many malodoroussubstances, such as thiols, amines, acids, sulfites, etc., have a verylow air/solvent partition coefficients (Henry's constant), whichconfirms the broad-spectrum odor suppression capability of TEG and otherglycols. In summary, the malodorous substance preferably has a greateraffinity for TEG than air thus reducing the vapor pressure andperception by the human sense of smell.

The agglomerations or droplets formed by the active ingredient (TEG,dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, or material with a vapor pressureof less than 0.0035 mmHg at room temperature), carrier, fragrance andsurfactants have an inner portion or core where the active ingredient,fragrance, and some carrier accumulate and an outer surface or outerportion where the surfactant has accumulated. The odor-causing substanceis absorbed through the outer (surfactant) layer into the core of theagglomeration resulting in a reduction of the vapor pressure andtherefore odor reduction.

The examples disclosed above are micro-emulsions of fragrance, TEG,ethanol and water. When applied, the micro-emulsion penetrates into thespaces between fibers of a soft surface. Upon evaporation, most of thevolatile components (water and ethanol) are removed and a residualagglomeration or droplet of TEG, ethanol, water, fragrance andsurfactant serves as an absorbent for odor-causing compounds andmolecules. The agglomerations also serve as fragrance extenders.

One important characteristic of the disclosed composition is theabilities to penetrate rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces forcontacting the odor-causing substance. Methods to evaluate suchabilities are provided herein. The disclosed methods make use of a SkeinTest that measures the Surface Penetration Time (SPT) of the compositionunder different testing conditions. The equipments and procedures forconducting the Skein Test are discussed in detail below.

Apparatus

FIG. 1 graphically illustrates an anchoring assembly used in the SkeinTest. The anchoring assembly includes a hook (A) of a standard weightconnected to an anchor (C) through a thread (B). The anchoring assemblymay be prepared by: 1) bending a piece of No. 10 B&S gage copper wireabout 29/16 in. (14.1 mm) long into the form of a hook as illustrated inFIG. 1; and 2) adjusting the weight of the bent hook to exactly 3.000 g.Nickel, silver, and stainless steel wire are even more suitable thancopper for this purpose because they are more corrosion resistant.

The anchor (C) is a flat, cylindrical, lead slug with a minimum weightof 40 g and has a diameter of 1 in. (25 mm) and a thickness of about3/16 in. (4.7 mm). A loop of wire (D) is solder in the center of theanchor to serve as a small ring, or eye, for attaching the anchor to thehook with a fine linen thread (B) at a distance apart of ¾ in. (19 mm).If many products are to be tested, prepare at least two hooks andanchors.

Test Skein

Skeins of various fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool, and polyester,are suitable for use in the Skein Test to determine the SurfacePenetration Time (SPT) of test compositions. It is noteworthy, however,that SPTs obtained using different types of skeins are not comparable toone another as the surface penetration abilities of the testcompositions fabric-specific.

The most preferred skein is cotton skein, such as 40 s/2 combed Peeleryarn with a lisle twist of 18 to 20 turns in. and a balancedconstruction is suitable. Preferably, the yarn used for a given seriesof skein tests is from the same lot of cotton. The cotton skein may bepurchased from Testfabrics, P. O. Drawe “O”, Middlesex, N.J. 08846. Theweights of the purchased cotton skeins need to be corrected individuallyto within 10 mg of 5 g or to within 1 grain of 77 grains.

For a Skein Test, fold a 5.00 g (77±1 grain) skein of yarn enough timesto form a loop of 18 in. (460 mm) around. A 36 in. (910 mm) skein ismost convenient and can be formed into an 18-in. loop with only twofolds; a 54 in. (1370 mm) skein requires three folds; a 72 in. (1830 mm)skein, four folds; and a 90-in. (2290 mm) skein requires five folds.

Test Procedure

At room temperature, pour 500 mL test composition into a 500-mLgraduated cylinder. Remove foam on the surface of the solution eitherwith a 100-mL bulb pipet or with an aspirator. Fasten one end of thefolded skein to the upper portion of the hook (A) and cut through theskein at the opposite end with shears. Draw the cut skein through thefingers when testing wetting agents in order to make it more compact.Fold into the skein near the hook any threads that have been tied aroundthe skein to correct its weight.

Hold the skein in one hand with the anchor suspended in the testcomposition contained in the 500-mL graduated cylinder. Hold a stopwatch in the other hand and release the skein. The anchor assemblyimmediately sinks towards the bottom of the graduated cylinder whilesimultaneously dragging the skein into the test composition. Start thestop watch when the anchor (C) makes contact with the bottom of thegraduated cylinder.

The skein at first suspends or floats in the test composition due to itsbuoyancy thereby tensioning the thread (B) into a straight line andholding the hook (A) in a suspending position, as illustrated in FIG. 2(“before sinking”). After the test composition completely penetratesthrough the skein and/or displaces the air trapped therein, the buoyancyof the skein becomes insufficient to keep the skein and hook (A) in asuspending or floating position. At this time, the skein and hook (A)starts to sink towards the bottom of the graduated cylinder therebyreleasing the tension of the thread (B), as illustrated in FIG. 2(“after sinking”). Stop the stop watch immediately after the skein orhook (A) starts to sink. The time recorded on the stop watch is theSurface Penetration Time of the test composition.

Obtain the average of at least four determinations of SPT for eachcomposition tested. An average deviation of 10 to 12% among thedeterminations may be acceptable. Four comparison Skein Tests betweenthe disclosed composition and a commercial composition using fourdifferent types of skeins are conducted. The results of the tests arelisted in the table below.

TABLE 1 SPT Comparison Between a Disclosed Composition and An ExistingCommercial Composition SPT (disclosed STP (existing commercial SkeinMaterial composition) composition) Cotton 0 2.74 min Polyester 0 0 Silk1.5 sec 25 sec Wool 0 4.5 sec

As clearly indicated in Table 1, the SPT of the disclosed composition isrelatively short in silk skein test and close to zero, i.e. instantpenetration, in cotton, silk and wool skein tests. The SPT of thecommercial composition, on the other hand, is significantly longer thanthat of the disclosed composition in all skein tests except polyester,in which case the commercial composition also penetrate instantlythrough the polyester skein.

Thus, the disclosed composition exhibits significantly improved abilityto penetrate rapidly and deeply into soft surfaces. As a result, theodor elimination performance of the disclosed composition is alsoimproved over the existing odor elimination compositions because theodor-causing substance embedded deep into the soft surfaces, whichcannot be effectively treated by the existing compositions and methods,can be reached and subsequently treated by the disclosed composition.

Without being bonded by any particular theory, the improved surfacepenetration may be a combinatorial result of factors such as thecombination of surfactant, the active ingredient used, the selection ofthe solvent system, etc. In one embodiment, the disclosed compositionhas a Cotton Surface Penetration Time of no more than 2.5 minutes. Inanother embodiment, the disclosed composition has a Silk SurfacePenetration Time of no more than 20 seconds. In yet another embodiment,the disclosed composition has a Wool Surface Penetration Time of no morethan 4 seconds.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternativeembodiments and various modifications will be apparent from the abovedescriptions to those skilled in the art. These and other alternativesare considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

What is claimed:
 1. A composition for treating odors embedded in oradsorbed onto soft surfaces, the composition comprising: at least oneactive ingredient selected from the group consisting of triethyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethanolamine, andmixtures thereof, wherein the at least one active ingredient reduces thepartial pressure of malodorants; 0.5-1.5 wt % nonionic surfactantcomprising a mixture of a hydrogenated castor oil surfactant and apolyglycol ether; 0.1-1 wt % quaternary ammonium salt; 1-10 wt %co-solvent selected from the group consisting of short chain monohydricalcohol; and water, wherein the composition is free of any cyclodextrincompounds or film-forming polymers.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the active ingredient is present in the composition at aconcentration of from 0.5 to 6.0 wt %.
 3. The composition of claim 1,wherein the active ingredient is present in the composition at aconcentration of from 0.5 to 1.5 wt %.
 4. The composition of claim 1,wherein the total surfactant concentration of the composition is from0.5 to 2.0 wt %.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the totalsurfactant concentration of the composition is from 1.0 to 2.0 wt %. 6.The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyglycol ether comprises anethoxylation product of C11-C15 alkanol with ethylene oxide.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt comprisesdidecyldimethyl ammonium chloride.
 8. The composition of claim 1,wherein the water content of the composition is from 75 to 95 wt %. 9.The composition of claim 1, further comprising a co-solvent selectedfrom a group consisting of short-chain monohydric alcohols, glycolethers, and mixtures thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 9, whereinthe co-solvent is present in the composition at a concentration of from1 to 10 wt %.
 11. The composition of claim 1, further comprising from0.25 to 0.75 wt % fragrance.
 12. A composition for treating odorsembedded in or adsorbed onto soft surfaces, the composition comprising:at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting oftriethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol,triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof, wherein the at least one activeingredient reduces the partial pressure of malodorants; 0.5-1.5 wt %nonionic surfactant comprising a mixture of a hydrogenated castor oilsurfactant and a polyglycol ether; 0.1-1 wt % quaternary ammonium salt;1-10 wt % co-solvent selected from the group consisting of short chainmonohydric alcohol; and 75-95 wt % water, wherein the composition isfree of any cyclodextrin compounds or film-forming polymers.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 12, wherein the active ingredient is present in thecomposition at a concentration of from 0.5 to 1.5 wt %.
 14. Thecomposition of claim 12, wherein the total surfactant concentration ofthe composition is from 1.0 to 2.0 wt %.
 15. A composition for treatingodors embedded in or adsorbed onto soft surfaces, the compositioncomprising: at least one active ingredient selected from the groupconsisting of triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol,triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof, wherein the at least one activeingredient reduces partial pressure of malodorants; 0.5-1.5 wt %nonionic surfactant comprising a mixture of a hydrogenated castor oilsurfactant and a polyglycol ether; 0.1-1 wt % quaternary ammonium salt;1-10 wt % co-solvent selected from a group consisting of short chainmonohydric alcohol; and water, wherein the total surfactantconcentration of the composition is from 0.5 to 2.0 wt %, and whereinthe composition is free of any cyclodextrin compounds or film-formingpolymers.
 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the active ingredientis present in the composition at a concentration of from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%.